LOVE LOCAL
We sit down for a cuppa with Antonia Morbey, deputy general manager at The Old Hall Ely – a manor house with a storied past A Cup of Tea With...
Cambridge Edition: First of all, what’s your brew of choice? Antonia Morbey: Most certainly a pot of tea: one teabag of earl grey and one teabag of assam results in the perfect cup of tea. CE: Tell us a little bit about yourself! How did you come to work at The Old Hall Ely and what do you love most? AM: The Old Hall Ely is home to me. I was lucky enough to grow up here with my siblings and parents when it was just a family home. I’ve been working here since the beginning across various departments, starting in housekeeping (which is a serious workout), followed by bar work, which I loved. After some time in London gaining sales and marketing experience, I returned home to Ely full-time in our busy office within the marketing team. Today, I am the deputy general manager overseeing all aspects of life at The Old Hall, but weddings are a favourite of mine. CE: What’s your favourite aspect of the venue, and why? AM: It has to be the view! I would say we have one of the best and uninterrupted
views across the countryside to Ely Cathedral. To have this as a backdrop at The Old Hall is truly spectacular and certainly a highlight for all our guests. CE: The Old Hall Ely has a long and storied history – are there any facts about the house that you personally find fascinating? AM: Oh gosh, there are so many that come to mind; it’s hard to choose. It’s got to be that Oliver Cromwell’s mother was born in the house. We have actually named our luxury suite in the hotel after her to keep her memory going. CE: Afternoon tea seems to be a highlight at The Old Hall Ely. Do you have a favourite treat or dish on the menu that you just can’t resist? AM: Our pastry chef is beyond talented and involves the whole team when she is trialling possible sweet treats for our seasonal afternoon tea menus. On our autumn menu, there is the most delicious milk chocolate and crunchy pistachio macaron – it’s absolutely divine and certainly a must-try!
FAMILY AFFAIR Antonia (right) with her mother Alison (left), who is head of house at The Old Hall
CE: When you’re not busy at the venue, what do you like to do to relax? Any favourite spots around Cambridgeshire? AM: I am lucky enough to live in the centre of Ely, where there is always so much going on throughout the year, all of which is on my doorstep. Most evenings, I will be walking along the river with my dog Tilly, which both of us enjoy very much. CE: Finally, if you could invite anyone (past or present) for a cup of tea at The Old Hall Ely, who would it be and why? AM: How about fictional? It would be Paddington Bear – I could hear stories about his afternoon tea with the late Queen Elizabeth over a marmalade sandwich, our Old Hall family carrot cake recipe and a soothing cup of tea.
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